Diaries of an upper class woman who lived in North Staffordshire in the 1800s have been discovered and turned into a book which is proving popular with historians across the region. Jessica Williams reports

RETIRED English teacher Mavis Smith believes she stumbled across the area's own Jane Austen when she found a 160-year old manuscript hidden in library archives.

The diaries of Ellen Tollet, who lived in Betley Hall, Betley, in the pre-Victorian era, were unearthed by the literature enthusiast in Shropshire Archives.

The journal, in handwritten form, is of Ellen's life from her early twenties in 1835 to her death in 1890.

Mrs Smith, of Woodlands Hills, Madeley, who taught at Newcastle-under-Lyme School from 1974 to 1997, used her experience of handwriting as a teacher to transcribe the entries into a book Ellen Tollet of Betley Hall.

Mrs Smith said Ellen was writing before the Brontes and Charles Dickens and after Jane Austen.

She added: "I believe I have come across something of both literary and historical importance.

"Ellen is lively, witty, intelligent, attractive and deeply religious. At times she is incredibly similar to Jane Austen."

Ellen was the sixth daughter of George Tollet, lord of the manor at Betley Hall, which is off the main road in Betley.

He was an influential agriculturist and landowner and friendly with the Wedgwoods of Maer Hall.

The journals are mainly set in Betley, but Ellen travels to London, Malvern and Liverpool.

She mingled with well-known characters from the period such as the Darwins, Florence Nightingale and the Gaskells.

Historian Paul Anderton, of Berne Avenue, Newcastle, said the book was incredibly significant for the area.

The retired history lecturer, who used to work at Staffordshire Polytechnic and Madeley College, said: "There is scarcely anything else like it in this area with reference to the middle class gentry in this pre-Victorian period.

"This is the world of Jane Austen, but it is real life, not the fiction."

David Thompson, from Betley Local History Society, said he had enjoyed the book.

He said: "It gives a real flavour of the upper class society at that time."

The book costs £12.50 plus package and postage. Proceeds will be donated to a cancer charity.

Copies can be obtained from Mrs Smith on 01782 750176. The book is also available at Waterstones at Keele University; Garners Garden Centre in Silverdale; Newcastle Museum & Art Gallery and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley.